Mobile phone radiation disturbs cytokinesis and causes cell death in buccal cells: Results of controlled human intervention study

Overview

Several human studies suggest that exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) from mobile phones may be linked to cancer in humans, although the exact molecular mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Chromosomal damage, which relates causally to cancer, has previously shown controversial results as studies often relied on questionnaires to assess exposure levels.

Methodology

This research reports on the first controlled human intervention trial investigating chromosomal damage and acute toxic effects due to mobile phone radiation. Participants wore headsets and were exposed to low (0.1 W/kg, n = 20) and high (1.6 W/kg, n = 21) doses of a UMTS signal on one randomly assigned side of the head for 2 hours daily over 5 consecutive days. Buccal cells were collected from both cheeks before and three weeks after exposure. Researchers measured micronuclei (MN, indicators of chromosomal aberrations) and other nuclear anomalies that reflect mitotic disturbances and acute cytotoxic effects.

Findings

• No evidence was found for the induction of micronuclei (MN) or nuclear buds (caused by gene amplifications).
• Significant increases in binucleated cells (indicative of disturbed cell division) and karyolitic cells (suggesting cell death) were observed on the exposed side, but not on the less exposed side.
• The study indicates that high-frequency EMFs from mobile phones do not cause acute chromosomal damage in oral mucosa cells under the tested conditions, but do result in disturbances to the cell cycle and cytotoxicity.

Conclusion

The disturbance of the cell cycle (especially cytokinesis) and induction of acute cytotoxicity after exposure to high-dose EMF may play a role in the development of adverse long-term health effects, such as cancer. Evidence is accumulating for associations between HF-EMF exposure and specific brain tumors, and these newly observed molecular effects may help explain neoplastic transformation following exposure to mobile phone radiation.

These results reinforce concerns about EMF exposure and suggest possible pathways leading to inflammation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) release, and neoplastic cell formation, all of which may significantly impact human health.